Friday, February 19, 2010

Napco announces the 25 diamond necklace winners for 'Fam 25 Years' national contest. The contest, which celebrated Fam's 25th anniversary, ran from 15 October 2009 through 15 December 2009. Fam is a leading feminine napkin brand in the Arabian Gulf.

Fam will congratulate winners from 20 February - 11 March 2010 in a TV commercial broadcasted on MBC 1andMBC 4.Women can still participate through 15 April 2010 in the 'Scratch and Win' contest to win 35% discount and 250 SR from Damas Jewellery.

Dry food manufacturers seek packaging that preserves their product crispness and extends their product shelf life.

MASTERPAK, producer of PE film in Zouk, Lebanon is re-introducing cereal liners for manufacturers of cereals and dry dessert mixes. Manufacturers can use these plastic bags to pack cereals, such as cake, cookie, dry wheat, pancake and biscuit mixes, pudding mix and dry condiments.

These cereal bags are made from 100% virgin materials without any regenerated materials or antioxidants BHT in the blend. They are produced from materials that meet the Foods and Drugs Administration (FDA) requirements for direct food contact under registered code federal regulations.
MASTERPAK is a member of INDEVCO Flexible Packaging, a division of INDEVCO Group, the "Local Multinational of the Middle East".

The Tissue & Paper Division of Phoenix Machinery is working with tissue converters across the Middle East to upgrade rewinder line controls, in order to produce quality toilet tissue rolls and kitchen handtowel rolls.

Upgrades transform mechanically driven production lines to electrically and servo driven production lines.

Refurbishing and control upgrades not only enhance machine performance and facilitate operations and diagnostics. They also reduce time-on-the-job and minimize maintenance costs.

Control upgrades allow tissue converters to:

Save time related to job change, since the upgrade is performed with simple parameters on the Human Machine Interface (HMI)

Reduce mechanical part damage, given that emergency sections prevent continuous run-of-the-line when an error occurs

Reduce machine downtime, given comprehensive diagnostic alarms and errors monitored by indications on the HMI

Phoenix Machinery uses SIEMENS automation solution for the control upgrade of the tissue rewinder line. This solution is a sophisticated control with an S7-300 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The PLC allows programming of any type product using an operator-friendly HMI. Tissue rewinders, then, operate non-stop, serviced by a smaller number of operators.

Growers can benefit from MASTERPAK's usage techniques to install and protect their greenhouse film.

MASTERPAK, manufacturer of agricultural and horticultural films in Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon, shares instructions with growers on how to set up and protect their greenhouse covers, in order to safeguard their agricultural products and greenhouses. These techniques cover the three PE film installation phases:

Pre-Installation: Preparing for the film laying

During Installation: Laying the film

Post-Installation: Protecting the film

Pre-Installation Phase: Preparing for the Laying

Prepare the structure by removing any sharp object that could damage the film during installation or use. The metal greenhouse frame should be galvanized class “C”, exempt from corrosion. Wooden greenhouse frame must be planed and sandpapered.

Paint metal greenhouse frames in touch with the film with white water-based paint. Be certain that all painted surfaces are thoroughly dry before installing the coverings. In case clips are used, they must be rust-proof and painted.

Avoid overheating and rust damage, use white plastified or plastic wires. In both cases, the plastic used should not be PVC based.

Metallic structure should be designed according to “AFNOR NF EN 13031-1”.

During Installation Phase: Laying the Film

The plastic film should be laid during soft weather (15˚C to 25˚C), preferably mornings or afternoons.

The film should be stretched enough to avoid any untimely movement against the structures. Avoid over stretching.

The film should be dug in at 25 cm from the greenhouse frame.

When cross cladding, film overlapping must be in the opposite way of the dominant wind direction.

Install the film the right way up for the anti-fog film. Refer to the mark on the film.

Post-Installation Phase: Protecting the Film

Avoid rust during all the film usage period.

Avoid direct vaporization on the PE film of any organic solvent, herbicide, pesticide, fungicide or fumigant.

Chemical residues in film should not exceed the below:

The tunnel must always be ventilated to prevent the film from overheating.

The film should be regularly re-tightened in order to avoid fluttering and water bags.

When stored, the film should be kept in its original packaging in a room at a moderate temperature away from direct sunlight, humidity and chemicals.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Unipak has successfully accomplished its first Hazard Analysis & Critical Control PointHACCPsurveillance with zero non-conformities conducted byTUV Nord. The corrugated packaging manufacturer has initially completed HACCP certification in March 2009 with full conformity.

Unipak's corrugated packaging may come into direct or indirect contact with agriculture, food or pharmaceutical products.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Caritas Newsletter featured INDEVCO Group President & CEO in its February 2010 issue. During the interview, Neemat G. Frem emphasized the importance of hard work and volunteering. In addition, Frem focused on the Frem's family mission to create jobs and support education.

Frem also stated that Caritas Liban is bringing in added value to the Lebanese community and church.

Caritas Newsletter is a monthly newsletter from Caritas Lebanon. Caritas Lebanon is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a worldwide confederation which figures among the world’s largest humanitarian networks, counting 162 Catholic organizations working in 200 different countries and territories.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Interstate Container Cambridge, along with Global Green USA and Mountaire Farms, announced the complete conversion of the largest poultry plant in the US to recyclable, wax alternative boxes from its Maryland plant.

Visitors can search for products they are interested in by industry or by type. They can select their industry to locate corrugated packaging for the agricultural, beverage, processed food, catering, dairy, hygiene disposables, pharmaceutical, industrial, chemical and petrochemical, as well as the soap and detergent sectors.

For example, beverage manufacturers can click on "Beverage Packaging" to find packaging for coffee, juice, soft drinks and water. They then select type of beverage and click through to view packaging specifications and to request a quotation or more information.

In addition, they can download sector brochures and printing capabilities.

Unipak (Halat, Lebanon), Unipak Nile (6th of October City, Egypt) and Easternpak (Dammam, Saudi Arabia) are members of INDEVCO Paper Containers, a division of INDEVCO Group, the "Local multinational of the Middle East". The plants export across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

INDEVCO Paper Containers web sites were designed and developed by INDEVCO Online Communications Unit.

Global Green USA, Mountaire Farms, and Interstate Containerannounced completion of the conversion of the largest poultry plant in the US to recyclable, wax-alternative boxes, thereby reducing costs and environmental impact, and assisting its customers in cost-effectively meeting their environmental goals.

At the International Poultry Expo, Global Green USA applauded Mountaire Farms and Interstate Container for their pioneering roles in reducing the environmental impact of wholesale transfer packaging as this innovation has the potential to influence the design of transfer packaging for all types of poultry, meat, produce and seafood delivered to grocers and restaurants throughout the world. Global Green also called on the food packaging industry to convert to this newly achievable green standard.

In March 2009, Interstate and Mountaire Farms announced its plans to conduct trials of recyclable modified atmosphere packaging through Hunt’s Point, the world’s largest food distribution center, as part of Global Green’s Coalition for Resource Recovery’s initiative to achieve 100% recyclable wholesale transfer packaging through the facility. Trials began pallet by pallet through Hunt’s Point’s harsh conditions and progressed to the truck load, and finally a two week test where Mountaire product shipped solely in the Fibre Box Association (FBA)-certified recyclable boxes.

Upon successful completion of the pilot in September 2009, Mountaire announced its plan to not only convert its existing modified atmosphere packaging to recyclable boxes but also to convert its ice packed product to modified atmosphere packaging to allow for a full transition of its entire product line to recyclable boxes. The full conversion of Mountaire’s first facility and the largest poultry plant in the US, located in Lumber Bridge, NC, was completed in January.According to Interstate Container’s National Account Manager, Pete Bugas,

“This is a first truly significant step towards replacing high-performance wax boxes throughout the difficult fresh food distribution channels. These boxes must withstand an extremely wet and challenging environment. Meeting the protocol criteria set forth by the FBA is a crucial step, and satisfying the rigors of the distribution channel in New York City is equally as tough. Ultimately, this fiber can now be recaptured instead of heading to a landfill where wax boxes are discarded. Interstate’s continuous environmental stewardship efforts remain a key part of our corporation’s DNA.”

The switch to FBA-certified recyclable packaging is only one component of the sustainable packaging transition. The switch in packaging methods from ice packed poultry to modified atmosphere packaging will result in significant water and energy savings. The box size was reduced, all wax was eliminated from the box, reducing the use of corrugated and petroleum products. If all of the newly designed boxes were recycled, the greenhouse gas benefit from source reduction and recycling the boxes would be 100,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. In addition, the switch from ice-packed poultry to modified atmosphere packaging is estimated to save millions of gallons of water annually. Combined these innovations also improve efficiency, streamline operations, and provide a safer work environment.

According to Larry Saywell, Mountaire Farms’ VP of Marketing and Sales, “Mountaire Farms is an agricultural company, and we are heavily dependent upon the earth’s natural resources for the continued success of our business. This project maintains and conserves these natural resources and is consistent with our company’s ‘way of being’. We fully recognize the positive impact of this project’s success on the futures of our people, our farmers, our suppliers, our community and our business.”

It is estimated that 1.5 million tons of un-recyclable wax-coated corrugated boxes are discarded in the U.S. each year. If coated corrugated boxes were designed for recycling and recycled, a greenhouse gas savings of 5 million mtCO2e, equivalent to removing from one million passenger vehicles from the road, would be realized, and U.S. grocers and restaurateurs could save $63M annually in avoided disposal fees."

To be competitive in today's world economy, our goal must be the sustainable use of materials," said Matt Hale, director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery. "Producing materials that can be recovered and reused at end of life helps us achieve this goal."

According to Annie White, Director of Global Green USA’s Coalition for Resource Recovery, “Converting to transfer packaging certified as recyclable by the Fibre Box Association, is a readily achievable step that industry and businesses can take to improve their environmental performance, enhance their service to customers, and improve their bottom line.

Through dedication and perseverance, Interstate Container and Mountaire developed a cost-effective, high-performing offering that enhances service to its customers. Global Green calls on others in the poultry, meat, produce, and seafood industries, to develop solutions for all food and packaging types, rapidly accelerating their use.”

Global Green USA’s sentiments were echoed in a statement provided by Chris Moyer, manager of the National Restaurant Association's Conserve program,

“The delivery of poultry, seafood, and produce in recyclable boxes helps divert potentially reusable materials from landfills. High performing, cost competitive recyclable boxes also provide another way restaurateurs can improve their bottomline and meet environmental goals, which is what we advocate through our Conserve initiative. We encourage the use of packaging made of recycled materials and similar innovations that assist restaurants in greening their operations.”

Global Green USA’s Coalition for Resource Recovery is an industry working dedicated to generating business value through transforming waste into assets. Founded in 1993 by activist and philanthropist Diane Meyer Simon, Global Green is the American Arm of Green Cross International (GCI), created by President Mikhail S. Gorbachev to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future by reconnecting humanity with the environment.

[1] According to the U.S. EPA 2007 MSW Facts and Figures, 31 million tons of OCC is discarded each year. The Fibre Box Association estimates that 5% of OCC is wax coated. EPA WARM Tool and Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator were used to calculate potential greenhouse gas savings. National restaurateur and grocers savings are based on a national average tipping fee of $42.08 based on the 2006 data in BioCycle’s State of Garbage report.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Subscribers can receive INDEVCO's latest monthly news by the industry in which they are interested.

As part of INDEVCO Group's 2010 online communications strategy, subscribers can now select the content they wish to receive. Until now, subscribers received e-mail alerts of each article published online.With the new system, interested readers can select any or all industry topic(s) they wish to receive once per month by e-mail:

Since Unipak Nile introduced machine-erected corrugated trays, growers and packers of fresh fruit and vegetables have increased packing efficiency and minimized waste. These packing trays, with improved strength and reliability, lead to reduced costs.

These corrugated trays are sharp-cut to fit automatic packing production lines and can be pre-printed or flexo printed. Growers and packers of fresh fruit and vegetables use these corrugated trays to pack citrus, grapes, pomegranates, strawberries, peaches, bananas, kiwis, melons, iceberg lettuce, cherries, tomatoes, herbs, as well as other fresh produce.

Furthermore, this machine-erected carton capability allows the corrugated packaging manufacturer to cater to small export orders.

Growers and packers can now request for quotes and samples of fresh produce packaging from INDEVCO corrugated manufacturing plants.

Unipak Nile and sister companies, Unipak and Easternpak, will showcase a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetable packaging at Fruit Logistica 2010 in Hall 2.1, Stand #C-07. The event will take place from 3 - 5 February 2010, in Berlin Exhibition Grounds.